James O'Brien Daily

The US-China trade war has deepens - again. Beijing retaliates to yesterday’s 145% levy with a 125% tariff on US goods, with President Xi Jinping calling on the EU to join China in opposing "bullying" from the US. With the future global economic and political landscape hugely uncertain, James asks whether Keir Starmer should take bold action to protect the country’s interests by softening Brexit?And, James discusses the BBC’s reinstallation of a statue sculpted by the paedophile and artist Eric Gill, on the outside of its London HQ. Can the artist ever be separated so far from the art that such a works, by such a man, should be on public display?This episode was recorded on the 11th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump paused his tariff hike on all global economies bar China’s, where the trade war has deepened even further - at the time of writing, tariffs on China stand at 145%. Why has Trump done this? What does the future look like? Should these actions prompt Keir Starmer to rebuild bridges with the EU?James also plays back an interview with psychologist, writer, and Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, in which she describes what she claims are her uncle’s worsening delusions.And, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Editor Simon Marks, who brings insider details analysis the capital.This episode was recorded on the 10th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump continues to dismantle democratic institutions, defy court orders, deport innocent green card holders and facilitate cronyism. Time for James to ask the big question - is the Trump administration fascist?And, the UK government is developing a “murder prediction” programme which it hopes will identify members of the public most likely to become killers. Is this pragmatic, or dystopian?This episode was recorded on the 9th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following days of tariff turmoil, US stocks rally, while European and Asian markets also stabilise. China, so far, is refusing to withdraw its retaliatory tariffs, saying it will “fight to the end”. Trump has threatened to hit Beijing with an additional 50% tariff if they don’t withdraw their levy by the end of today.How do you make sense of what Trump is doing? Are we wasting our time trying to analyse him using the normal methods? What comes next? This episode was recorded on the 8th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The head of the Muslim World League says young British Muslims are growing more disillusioned because of the war in Gaza, while the shocking video of Israeli forces opening fire on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, before killing 15 medics, contradicts the IDF’s initial explanation for the killings. How much damage has Benjamin Netanyahu’s government done to the Israeli cause?Also, health workers will be sent into the community door-to-door, under drastic new NHS plans to tackle sickness rates across England. Will the scheme work?And, James speaks to Dmitry Grozoubinski, founder of Explain Trade and author of “Why Politicians Lie About Trade: ... and What You Need to Know About It”, about the fabled US-UK trade deal.This episode was recorded on the 7th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, should Keir Starmer retaliate or negotiate? James also tackles another possibility - how long could it take for this all to blow up in Trump’s face?And, James speaks with Neil Henderson, the father of Jim Henderson, an aid worker and former Royal Marine that was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza last April. Neil shares his son’s story and legacy.This episode was recorded on the 4th April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Stock markets across the world dropped today after Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements. Sir Keir Starmer has said this will "clearly" have an economic impact on Brits, but that the UK will keep a "clear head", while also considering retaliatory measures. What should Starmer do?James is also joined by Ta-Nehisi Coates, an American journalist and author, for a brilliant conversation about the dramatic reaction to his latest book, “The Message”, which explores destructive nationalist myths and describes the segregation he witnessed first hand in Israel and the West Bank.This episode was recorded on the 3rd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump is set to announce his global tariffs at 9pm tonight. Can Keir Starmer, who’s being urged to fight back with retaliatory tariffs, stand up to Trump? James also analyses some of the New Jersey Senator Cory Booker’s record breaking anti-Trump speech from yesterday.Also, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has said she opposes protest-free buffer zones around abortion clinics and thinks they undermine free speech in the UK. Why are certain powerful individuals so against abortion and are the buffer zones actually an assault on free speech?And, James speaks with Nebal Farsakh, Spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, about the killing of several Palestinian medics by Israeli forces last week in Gaza. This episode was recorded on the 2nd April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that the UK is likely to be hit by Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs, as the US refuses to sign an economic deal with Britain. James gets into the nitty gritty: What's the reason for tariffs? When did they originate? How will these tariffs affect us?The Prime Minister has described Netflix’s hugely influential series Adolescence as something that the entire nation is talking about. Yet today on LBC the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch revealed that she hasn’t watched it. James and his listeners break this down.This episode was recorded on the 1st April. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The number of men becoming secondary school teachers has plummeted to a record low, while conversations about the effects of online misogyny and healthy role models are being had more than ever. Do boys need male role models specifically, and if so, why?NHS bosses have decided to shut the maternity unit at a major London hospital in response to a dramatic fall in the birthrate in its area in recent years. If you’re child free - why? And how do people react when you tell them?This episode was recorded on the 31st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Labour has come under fire from its welfare cuts, with affected families forecasted to lose £1,720 on average a year. James and his listeners look to identify exactly who Labour is trying to appeal to right now.Also, mid show, Keir Starmer’s director of communications quit - after just 9 months in the job. LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre shares the details.And, Just Stop Oil is to cease its campaign of civil resistance after 3 years of climate action. The group stated that its initial demand to end new oil and gas is now Government policy. Did it succeed in its mission?This episode was recorded on the 28th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

More than 3 million UK households will lose out as a result of the government’s cuts to welfare, according to official analysis, with an extra 250,000 people forecasted to fall into relative poverty by the end of the decade. How will this impact you?And, the Netflix drama Adolescence has brought much needed attention to toxic masculinity and dangerous online influences such as Andrew Tate. James speaks to women about their thoughts on the show and the conversations it's opened up.This episode was recorded on the 27th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

As well as plans to bomb Yemen's Houthis being leaked in the US security breach yesterday, messages also revealed a contempt toward America's European allies. One of US Vice President JD Vance’s messages stood out: "I just hate bailing Europe out again". Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth replied: "I fully share your loathing of European freeloading. It's PATHETIC". Why does JD Vance have this attitude towards Europe?James also speaks with Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, who explains why yesterday’s US-negotiated "Black Sea Ceasefire" is a betrayal of Ukraine.This episode was recorded on the 26th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on which the US Government was planning the bombing of Yemen's Houthis. The chat included US Vice President JD Vance, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth and the leaders of US national security and intelligence. When questioned this morning, Donald Trump said he knew nothing about it. Is this indicative of the incompetence of the Trump administration?And, the Palestinian director of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” has been arrested by the IDF after being attacked by Israeli settlers. James speaks with Raviv Rose, a jewish activist of the Centre for Jewish non-violence, who witnessed the attack. This episode was recorded on the 25th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK’s first live facial recognition cameras, intended to make fighting crime easier, are being set up in south London. Would you be comfortable with these cameras arriving on your street, or is this an invasion of privacy?Brits spend less time in the office than workers in every other country bar the Philippines, research claims. Why are Brits resisting the call back to the office?Elton John, Stormzy and Coldplay are among a group of artists backing Ed Sheeran’s call for Keir Starmer to commit £250m to music education. Would you be the same person you are now without having been introduced to music?This episode was recorded on the 24th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is considering a smartphone ban in England schools. Pressure mounts from MPs to act on the effect of social media on teenagers, encapsulated by the viral Netflix drama, Adolescence. Is totally banning phones from schools possible?Also, there’s been a huge rise in women working beyond the state pension threshold simply in order to survive. Simple question here - will you ever be able to retire?And, James speaks with LBC’s Scotland Political Editor, Gina Davidson, for the details on Nicola Sturgeon’s clearance of wrongdoing in regards to the case investigating alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.This episode was recorded on the 21st March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has suggested the US takes over ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of a truce between Ukraine and Russia. Is Trump’s second term changing the West beyond all recognition?Also, James speaks with LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who shares the highlights from her recent interview with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey.Also, James speaks with Jerusalem-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky, who details why Israeli protestors are saying that Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest bombardment of Gaza is ‘cover’ for his campaign to retain power.And, Labour’s long-awaited curriculum review would see UK pupils sitting fewer GCSE exams, with an increased focus on applied skills. Does our system currently put too much emphasis on academic subjects?This episode was recorded on the 20th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Over 1 million disabled people could be set to lose thousands of pounds under the government’s welfare overhaul. James asks his listeners if these changes go too far.Also, Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate says that young men are suffering from a lack of positive role models and are being influenced by toxic online figures, gambling and pornography. Why are young men so susceptible to these dangers?And, James speaks with Suzanne O'Sullivan, neurologist and author of “The Age of Diagnosis: Sickness, Health and Why Medicine Has Gone Too Far”, to ask whether we’re being over diagnosed by doctors in today’s world.This episode was recorded on the 19th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Despite the ceasefire, more than 400 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes overnight, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Humanitarian organisations have expectably been overwhelmed. James speaks with Rosalia Bollen, spokesperson for Unicef, who is in Southern Gaza and asks listeners what the likelihood is that Benjamin Netanyahu will continue this war until Gaza is entirely destroyed?Also, millions of people in England and Wales should have their BMI checked regularly to curb obesity, an NHS watchdog is recommending. What was your wake up call to lose weight and what does it feel like to have loved ones refuse to hear that wake up call?And, James speaks with LBC’s Washington Correspondent Simon Marks, who shares the latest on Donald Trump and the US.This episode was recorded on the 18th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

According to a new study, almost 4 in 10 members of Generation Z are considering leaving their job, with mental health identified as a “major driver” of this. Why is this happening and what can we do about it? Also, the author of the new book, “Why I Would Never Fight for My Country”, argues that ordinary people should never be sent into battle. The 27 year old German states that he’d “rather be occupied than dead.” Why is he wrong?And, I speak with Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent for the Voice of America (VOA), which has had almost all of its staff placed on administrative leave after Donald Trump signed an order to dismantle it.This episode was recorded on the 17th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Kier Starmer announced yesterday his intention to abolish NHS England to bring the healthcare service back under government control to reduce bureaucracy and costs. Today, James searched for the lived experiences of those who have worked with NHS England, to highlight why the abolition may be welcome. Following Monday’s focus on online safety, James also returned to this topic as the UK Schools Leader announced that social media platforms must be held accountable for their role in bullying and the spread of “deepfakes.” He asked his listeners a unique question, how much damage has social media done?Furthermore, as reported by The Times, creative subjects such as art, music, and drama are at risk of being removed from the school curriculum. Listeners gave their testimonies that reflect the impact access to arts has on individuals, when exposed at a young age.This episode was recorded on the 14th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocidal acts and sexual violence in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s systematic destruction of women’s healthcare facilities during the conflict. However, this raised the question of whether the world has ceased monitoring the situation in Gaza. What implications does this have for global affairs?  James also reflected on Jamie Oliver’s call for increased government support for individuals with dyslexia. As one of the most prevalent learning difficulties affecting approximately 1.2 million children in the United Kingdom, Jamie has criticised the current system as inadequate for dyslexic and neurodivergent children, highlighting the number of individuals who are falling through the cracks. Today, James heard from individuals who live with dyslexia and shared their experiences of receiving a diagnosis later in life.James also spoke with Adam Ratner, a paediatric infectious diseases physician in New York City, who provided insights into the anticipated outbreak of measles in West Texas, given the recent spread of measles myths perpetuated by RFK.This episode was recorded on the 13th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump has intensified his trade war and implemented a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports to the US, while the EU has retaliated. The president also used the White House driveway to promote Tesla cars after shares in the firm slumped. Is there method in the madness? To help us digest Trump’s second term so far, James speaks with Donie O'Sullivan, Senior Correspondent at CNN, who’s recently interviewed Steve Bannon, stood amongst supporters of the January 6th Insurgent criminals pardoned by Trump, and visited the people of Greenland, which Trump has stated he wants to annex.And, James speaks with Emma Holten, a gender policy consultant and the author of “Deficit: How Feminist Economics Can Change Our World”, and asks whether the world’s economies properly account for the contributions women make to them.This episode was recorded on the 12th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Sir Keir Starmer has called the current benefits system unsustainable, indefensible and unfair. He’s vowed to cut £3bn over the next three years and is expected to announce billions more in savings from the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability benefit. How hard or easy is it to claim disability benefits, and how worried are you at the prospect of cuts?Also, James speaks to Guy Shrubsole, author of “The Lie of the Land” and “Who Owns England”, for the details on the potential for Britain’s land registry to be opened to the public.And, James speaks with Mohamed El-Erian, Former Deputy Director of the IMF, who explains why US shares fell sharply again on Monday and why President Donald Trump has refused to rule out a recession.This episode was recorded on the 11th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

It’s Online Safety Day at LBC, as James asks whether the new laws to be implemented under the Online Safety Act will be enough to protect children. LBC polling has found that almost three-quarters of people in Britain back the idea of raising the minimum age of social media use to 16.James speaks with with Ellen Roome and Lisa Kenevan, two mothers suing TikTok over their  TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children.Also, LBC reporter Henry Riley shares all the details from the his investigation into what a 13-year-old girl can be exposed to on TikTok.And, Dr Kaitlyn Regehr, UCL associate professor and author of the upcoming book “Smartphone Nation: why we are all addicted to screens and what you can do about it”, shares her expertise.This episode was recorded on the 10th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prosecutors argued in court that Andrew Tate’s online misogyny fuelled Kyle Clifford’s triple murder, in which he raped his ex-girlfriend and killed her along with her mother and sister. When did you, as a woman, notice the effects of this type of misogyny on your life?Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI and James discuss whether Europe can successfully fight Russia without the US.Also, James is joined by Sadiq Khan following a new report revealing the London boroughs most opposed to his expansion of the ULEZ Zone have seen the largest reductions in harmful gases thanks to the policy.And, James speaks with Oz Katerji, a Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv, who shares how Ukrainians are reacting to Donald Trump.This episode was recorded on the 7th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

EU leaders are to gather for an emergency defence summit to discuss Ukraine and wider European security, with France's President Emmanuel Macron warning that the continent is at a "turning point of history". No representative from the UK will be in attendance because of Brexit. Where does this leave us and what should Starmer do?Top doctors have urged the government to implement an outright ban on smacking children as evidence shows it offers no benefit and causes physical and emotional damage. James asks whether you were hit by your parents in a way that, although acceptable at the time, caused you trauma? Or did you hit your kids and now regret it?This episode was recorded on the 6th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

US Vice President JD Vance has denied insulting British troops after describing a UK-backed proposal as "20,000 troops from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years". Does the UK actually have any power to influence the Ukrainian peace process? Why does Vance keep attacking the UK specifically?Also, Donald Trump has imposed the latest round of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. James speaks with Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of ExplainTrade and author of "Why Politicians Lie About Trade", to explain what this means.And, James speaks with Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon who’s been to Gaza to provide medical support several times, before Israel denied her access on three occasions in February. This episode was recorded on the 5th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

President Donald Trump has paused US military aid to Ukraine, in a shocking move that has been welcomed by the Kremlin. Can Europe cope without America’s support? Why is Donald Trump aligning with a nation that has historically been the sworn enemy? And, has the need for a re-armed and re-unified Europe ever been more urgent?This episode was recorded on the 4th March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance’s Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky descended into a huge row, such that the Ukrainian President was asked to leave without signing a deal with the US that would have jointly developed Ukraine's valuable minerals as part of a peace-settlement. What, if anything, did Trump and Vance achieve on Friday, and what does their vilification of the Ukrainian president mean?This episode was recorded on the 3rd March. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

James analyses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Donald Trump yesterday with the help of LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark, who was one of the journalists at the White House, and Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews. Was the meeting a success?A 14-year-old boy has lost a court case he brought against his own parents after they moved him from London to a Ghanaian boarding school. He claims they tricked him into the move by saying he’d just be visiting a sick relative. Do you approve of what the parents did? Should parents be allowed to do this at all?This episode was recorded on the 28th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. He intends to negotiate for a US security guarantee in Ukraine. What will success look like for Starmer and, by association, Ukraine?Teachers want guidance on schooling children about the “manosphere” to tackle the spread of Andrew Tate-style misogyny in classrooms. How has online misogyny manifested itself in your life?This episode was recorded on the 27th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Defence Secretary John Healey has said the “world has changed” and that Britain must prioritise “hard power” over “soft power”. What actually is soft power, and is he right?Donald Trump has shared an AI generated video of “Trump Gaza”, featuring golden Trump statues, bearded belly dancers and Benjamin Netanyahu on a sunbed. James and his listeners try to work out exactly what the US Government hope to achieve with this.And, it’s Wednesday, which means James and LBC Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre analyse Prime Minister’s Questions. This episode was recorded on the 26th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The US has sided twice with Russia in votes at the United Nations on resolutions marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What does this mean for Ukraine, and the free world?Also, James presses play on some of Keir Starmer’s announcement of the "biggest sustained defense budget increase since the Cold War", in which the Prime Minister specifies how he intends to support peace in Ukraine.And, Labour’s 1.5 million new homes pledge is in doubt due to a shortage of skilled workers. James asks about the reality of working on building sites, the likelihood of Labour achieving its pledge and how we should attract workers to come here to do the work.This episode was recorded on the 25th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The far-right AfD Party has made historic gains in Germany’s federal election, winning a record 20.8%, but does the AfD offer anything to its supporters other than anti-migrant rhetoric? And, polling shows almost a third of children in the UK have refused to go to school at least once in the past year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has indicated that this is linked to “casual parenting”, but what is the difference between “I won't” go to school and “I can't”?This episode was recorded on the 24th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that spending cuts will have to be found to fund a boost to the defence budget. How do you persuade the public that we need to spend more on defence and what is the current state of the British military? Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with Donald Trump next Thursday, in his first visit to the White House since the President’s inauguration. How should Starmer approach this visit and the lies that Trump has told about Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week?And, LBC Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre will be explaining just what the Alliance for Responsible Citizens - the right wing conference at which Jordan Peterson, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have been in attendance - is all about.This episode was recorded on the 21st February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

US President Donald Trump has escalated his attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator" and saying he is to blame the war with Russia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended Zelensky as "Ukraine's democratically elected leader". What should we do when the leader of the free world, Donald Trump, is in the pocket of Vladimir Putin? James speaks with Sir Bill Browder, anti-corruption campaigner and head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, to find out.This episode was recorded on the 20th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Unbelievably, US President Donald Trump has blamed the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for starting the war with Russia, while continuing to exclude Ukraine from its own peace-talks. Considering this and the unprecedented appeasement of the Kremlin by the White House - has Putin already won the war?Also, James interviews the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who takes your phone calls. A report from the Commons' Women and Equalities Committee is warning against "ageist stereotyping" across the UK. When did you first realise that the outside world saw you as old?This episode was recorded on the 19th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Successive governments trying to look "tough on crime" have driven a rising prison population that's overwhelmed the system, according to a new report. Why doesn’t prison work? Why does the public still think that it does? Also, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has said “our country and all of western civilisation will be lost” if efforts to promote rightwing ideas fail. She implored Brits to get up off their knees and “fight”. What does she mean and who does she want us to fight?And, the head teacher of a school in Monmouth has introduced Saturday detentions for disobedient pupils. He’s said his school has “zero-tolerance towards defiance”. Do most kids perform better under strict teachers? How much do disruptive children impact teachers and peers?This episode was recorded on the 18th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is "ready and willing" to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal. Should British troops be sent to Ukraine?And, US Vice-President JD Vance has verbally attacked European democracies, saying the greatest threat facing the continent was not from Russia and China, but "from within". Why is he saying this?This episode was recorded on the 17th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

With Donald Trump at the helm, America’s role within international politics and its relationship with Russia is changing. Do we actually understand what it means for America to stop being the leader and protector of the free world?And, according to The Times Generation Z survey, people aged 18-27 are more unhappy, in greater debt and far more pessimistic about Britain than their parents. What’s it like being Gen Z today? For those with Gen-Z children, what’s it like knowing you might not leave your kids better off than you were?This episode was recorded on the 14th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The man himself, James O’Brien, is back!Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. As part of a peace settlement, according to the US Defence Secretary, Ukraine should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia. Is this simply appeasement?Also, more than 100 new towns could be built under the UK government's plans for the "largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era". How’re we going to build them, and what’s it like moving to a brand new town?And it’s Thursday, meaning the return of mystery hour!This episode was recorded on the 13th February. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien, live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.The government is making it almost impossible for refugees arriving on small boats to become British citizens. Will this prevent small boat crossings and are Labour acting too much like the Conservatives? Lewis speaks with Labour MP Stella Creasy, who disagrees with the change.Also, rebel Labour MPs are pushing the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, to adopt a four-day working week in her employment rights bill. Lewis speaks with Peter Dowd MP who put forward the amendment and asks if a 4-day working week would be realistic.Lewis also speaks with Leila Molana-Allen, Special Correspondent for PBS NewsHour, about Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s claim that they’ll remove the ceasefire in Gaza if Hamas does not release all Israeli hostages by Saturday.And, Lewis catches up with LBC’s Washington Correspondent for all the details on Elon Musk’s denial of a 'hostile takeover' of the US government.This episode was recorded on the 12th February.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien, live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Labour MP Kim Leadbeater would change her proposed assisted dying bill so that cases are signed off by experts rather than a judge. Critics believe this could threaten impartial decision-making. Lewis asks whether this change would strengthen or weaken the bill and speaks with Labour MP Dr Peter Prinsley, who's in favour of the legislation.Also, Elon Musk is leading a bid of $97.4bn for the purchase of OpenAI, the operator of Chat GPT. Considering the billionaire’s recent takeover of state institutions as well, Lewis asks if we’re witnessing state capture and what his ultimate aim is. And, Lewis speaks with LBC reporter Fraser Knight for all the details on today’s High Court ruling that The Metropolitan Police cannot dismiss officers by removing their vetting clearance, thus limiting the force’s ability to sack officers who might be a danger to women and vulnerable people.This episode was recorded on the 11th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, tomorrow from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien, live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Labour have been accused of mimicking Reform UK’s approach to immigration after sharing videos of migrant raids online. Will this tactic work to combat Reform's growing popularity? Lewis speaks with Labour MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington Diane Abbott, who shares her view.Also, a second Labour MP has apologised for offensive comments made in a WhatsApp group after Andrew Gwynne was sacked for his messages in the same chat. Where should the line should be drawn when sharing potentially offensive messages?And, Lewis interviewed Conservative Shadow Minister, Alex Burghart, who defended Boris Johnson's infamous comment about muslim women looking like “letterboxes”. Lewis compares this sentiment to that of anti-semitism and asks if there’s a hierarchy of racism in this country.This episode was recorded on the 10th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, tomorrow from 10am on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Government figures show the number of young people who do not work because of long-term sickness with a mental health condition has increased by 26% in the last year. Remarking on this, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has said that too many young people see the world of work as stressful and accused some benefit claimants of “taking the mickey”. Is she right?Also, Donald Trump is imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, accusing it of “baselessly” targeting the US and Israel following the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. War correspondent Chris Stephen shares all the details, and Lewis speaks with Donald Trump’s nephew, Fred Trump III, who believes Trump will illegally run for a third term.And, hundreds of Rwandan troops have been killed during covert operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, contradicting claims from Rwandan officials that its soldiers are not involved. Was the Conservative Government right in declaring the Rwanda plan safe for deportees? Lewis speaks with Mark Townsend, Senior Development reporter at The Guardian who published today’s exclusive on the conflict. This episode was recorded on the 7th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Britain’s head of counter-terrorism has compared the harm social media can do to children to that of cancer by smoking. Indeed, social media’s potential to radicalise was highlighted by the Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, who watched violent and extremist videos online prior to killing three girls. Should there be a social media ban for children?Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced that she’d bar migrants on work visas who claim benefits from settling in the UK. Lewis asks his listeners how hard it actually is to secure citizenship in the UK.And, last month was the warmest January on record, according to new data. Will we ever be able to address climate change?This episode was recorded on the 6th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Last night President Donald Trump said that all Palestinians in Gaza should be resettled and promised to develop the land into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. These plans have been internationally condemned. Should the world be taking Trump seriously? Lewis speaks with Noga Tarnopolsky, freelance journalist based in Jerusalem, Chris Gunness, Former Chief Spokesperson for UNRWA and Stephen Flynn, SNP Leader in Westminster and MP, to find out.And, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declares his stance on Trump's plans in Prime Minister’s Questions - Lewis and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark discuss.This episode was recorded on the 5th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Reform UK has overtaken Labour and is topping a landmark YouGov poll for the first time. Lewis compares this with the rise of right wing nationalist parties across Europe and asks if populism can be stopped.Also, the parents of the late Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter, are calling for changes in how antidepressants are prescribed following Thomas tragically taking his own life. Lewis asks Dr Simon Opher, Labour MP, leading GP and chair of the All Parliamentary Group, “Beyond Pills”, whether Brits are over-prescribed with antidepressants.And, it's been reported in the US that President Donald Trump has given Elon Musk access to the internal federal payments system that controls the flow of trillions of dollars in government funds every year. Is Elon Musk a significant danger, or an innovator?This episode was recorded on the 4th February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Lewis Goodall of The News Agents podcast is covering for James O’Brien all this week live on LBC from 10am, and of course, right here on James O’Brien Daily.Over the weekend, Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and hit China with a 10% levy. He’s also renewed calls for Canada to become America’s 51st state. Lewis speaks with Canada’s High Commissioner Ralph Goodale and UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and asks his listeners whether we’re witnessing the collapse of the US as the leader of the free world.Lewis also speaks with Former International Development and Foreign Office Minister, Alistair Burt, to speak about the consequences of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).This episode was recorded on the 3rd February. Catch Lewis Goodall, in for James O'Brien, each day this week from 10am until Friday on LBC.

Five years ago today, the UK left the European Union. YouGov polling this week showed just 3 in 10 Brits now think it was the right decision. James asks how so many fell for the promises of the Vote Leave campaign and who should take the most responsibility for Brexit. He also takes a look through the Brexit archives and plays some of the most shocking interviews with politicians and the public from the run up to the referendum… including the Nigel Farage phone-in that broke the internet.This episode was recorded on the 31st January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The UK population is set to rise by nearly 5 million over the course of a decade, largely because of net migration, but how do you convince people that, despite what many politicians and newspapers say, the UK does in fact need significant levels of immigration?Also, according to a survey of teachers in England and Wales, some children are starting reception “unable to climb a staircase” and still in nappies. Are parents failing to support their children’s early development, or is this a result of the “iPad generation”?And, Mystery Hour is back!This episode was recorded on the 30th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a major speech this morning, in which she promised to create the “right conditions” to support growth in the British economy and outlined just how Labour intends to do that. James, his listeners and LBC’s Political Editor Natasha Clark analyse the speech.Also, it’s Prime Minister’s Questions and James speaks with LBC’s Political Correspondent Aggie Chambre to digest all the details.And, a UK law firm that was used by the sanctioned Russian mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, to sue the British journalist Elliot Higgins, has been found to have acted lawfully. Peter Geoghegan, author of Democracy for Sale, explains the controversy.This episode was recorded on the 29th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

England’s children’s commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has said that children involved in last year’s race riots following the Southport attacks should have their criminal records wiped clean. James asks whether this should be the case and why.And, former Premier League referee David Coote has come out as gay and revealed that a life spent hiding his sexuality led to “really poor choices”, including using cocaine, that led to his sacking last year. To what extent is explicit homophobia still a major feature of football and wider society?This episode was recorded on the 28th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, James asks how the dehumanisation of an entire group of people can happen. He interviews Laurence Rees, historian and BAFTA winning documentary maker, who’s latest book is “The Nazi Mind: Twelve Warnings From History”. James also reminisces on a conversation with his late friend and Holocaust survivor, Lili Pohlmann.This episode was recorded on the 27th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The Southport killer, Axel Rudakubana, has been sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in jail. In the aftermath of this horrific crime, in which he stabbed 3 girls to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class, James ask what “evil” is, and whether people can be born evil. James speaks to Rudakubana’s father’s former English teacher.Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told LBC today that “there are too many young men, online, obsessing over violent material”. What are the signs that your teenager is consuming dangerous material online?And James discusses the recent story of a pregnant hairdresser who was demoted to cleaning and making tea after she announced she was expecting. She has since won almost £90,000 in compensation. Did your employer have a negative reaction to your pregnancy?This episode was recorded on the 24th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Following Prince Harry and Lord Watson’s emphatic victory in their lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers, which publishes The Sun, James asks two questions. Firstly, following NGN’s admission of criminal wrongdoing, should the police should pursue the case further? Secondly, have enough of the UK media already cultivated sufficient anti-Sussex sentiment to prevent this from happening?The government has pledged to build major infrastructure projects like nuclear power stations, railway lines and wind farms built faster under new planning rules, while Keir Starmer vows to curb “Nimby” legal blocks to such projects. What’s the reality of getting major building projects off the ground, or, being the “Nimbys” in question?And, Mystery Hour returns, where the public phone in to ask and answer questions about absolutely whatever they want!This episode was recorded on the 23rd January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Unprecedented news broke today: Prince Harry and Lord Watson have settled a long-running legal battle with publishers of The Sun, News Group Newspapers. James analyses Rupert Murdoch’s News Group’s "full and unequivocal apology" and payment, and finds out what the settlement means with a consultant to Prince Harry’s legal team, Dr Evan Harris.And how was Southport killer Axel Rudakubana able to buy a knife aged just 17 on Amazon and watch violent terrorist content on X in the hour before killing three young girls? Can the government rein in these tech platforms and their billionaire owners to stop these atrocities happening again?This episode was recorded on the 22nd January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

The father of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana stopped his son from returning to his former school a week before he stabbed three young girls to death in July last year at a Taylor Swift dance class. James wonders how scared Rudakubana's father was at what his son was capable of and asks what parents with potentially violent children can do to prevent the worst.And Elon Musk made what many suggested to be Nazi salutes at Donald Trump’s inauguration yesterday. James contemplates just how wide our window of acceptable opinion has reached.This episode was recorded on the 21st January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

Israel has freed 90 Palestinian prisoners, after the first three Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. James asks how this conflict has changed listener’s perception of the region’s geo-political landscape.On the day of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, why have liberals and much of the media gone soft on Trump and the shocking behaviours that would normally prevent re-election.And James hears directly from Liverpool Crown Court as LBC’s reporter Liam Gotting shares the details of today's breaking news that Axel Rudakubana has pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport last year.This episode was recorded on the 20th January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.

A teenager has been found guilty of the murder of schoolgirl Elianne Andam, who was stabbed to death in South London in 2023. Her killer admitted manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions because of his autism, which the jury rejected. James asks whether autism should ever be used as a reasonable defence in court?An international study has found that children of a particular gender are more likely to receive preferential treatment from their parents. This prompted James to pose three questions: how does one knows if they’re a favourite, how parents pick their favourite, and how it feels if the favourite isn't you.Plus, James digests the conclusions of a new report into UK accent based stereotypes, with the help from his listeners.This episode was recorded on the 17th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

Israel and Hamas have agreed a ceasefire in Gaza with a hostage release deal following the past 15 months of war. With headlines stating that Palestinians will be able to “return to their homes”, James asks his listeners what they may be returning back to?And in her first major speech of 2025, Kemi Badenoch criticised her predecessors for mishandling Brexit, stating that the Conservative Party had offered policy without a plan. James asks his listeners what difference Brexit has actually made to their lives.Plus its the welcome return of Mystery Hour.This episode was recorded on the 16th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

The founder and former boss of BrewDog, James Watt has said that Britain is one of the “least work-oriented countries in the world” and that the country’s obsession with a work-life balance is one invented by those unhappy with their own careers. James O'Brien asks his listeners whether this is true of their employees, and if so, why?With a new study finding the ‘Cost of dying’ in the UK has hit record levels, with the average funeral cost at £9,797, James asks his listeners to share their opinions on a rather sensitive topic - haggling with a funeral director. Plus It's Prime Minister Questions where LBC Political Editor Natasha Clark helps James digest all the happenings.This episode was recorded on the 15th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

Donald Trump would have been convicted of crimes over his failed attempt to cling to power in 2020, if not for his victory in last year’s US presidential election, according to the special counsel who investigated him. James speaks to a professor of American Politics and his LBC listeners to try and work out why so many people simply don’t care about political conduct that used to be unforgivable.He also tackles the recent polling that has found that one in five Britons aged 18-45 would prefer to be governed by unelected leaders, instead of democratically elected ones. Why do so many young people in particular feel this way?This episode was recorded on the 14th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC. 

With the government readying to set out plans on how it can use artificial intelligence across the UK to boost growth and streamline public services, James calls on his most AI-qualified listeners to tell us exactly how this can change our lives, and whether we should fear its rise.He also speaks to NHS patients and professionals about the troubling normality of “corridor care” following the advertisement from a North London Hospital for a 'Corridor Nurse'.This episode was recorded on the 13th of January. Catch James O'Brien weekdays from 10am on LBC.